Families of the victims of the Hillsborough stadium disaster have welcomed the
full disclosure of all government documents related to the tragedy as a
triumph for democracy.

Loving memory: the Liverpool Memorial at Anfield Stadium featuring the names of all 96 supporters who died in the tragedy in SheffieldPhoto: RII SCHROER

By Chris Bascombe

10:08AM BST 18 Oct 2011

The Hillsborough Family Support Group said the unanimous agreement in last night’s historic House of Commons debate can be the catalyst towards finally publishing the truth of what happened at the FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield 22 years ago.

Liverpool Football Club has paid tribute to the dignified manner in which all connected with the campaign conducted themselves after Home Secretary Theresa May confirmed the release of the uncensored documents to the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

"It's a lovely feeling to come down to see the debate and get the support of all the MPs," said Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG) Chairperson Margaret Aspinall .

"It's a great evening for everyone concerned, not just the families but the fans and the survivors. We've always been on the side of caution but we're hopeful that we'll finally get the real truth of Hillsborough.

"This moment stems from the e-petition and all the support we've had for 22 years. We've got to thank all the MPs, especially Andy Burnham, Maria Eagle, Derek Twigg and Steve Rotheram who've been right behind us.

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"The way Steve Rotheram opened the debate was fantastic, reading the names of the 96 and their ages. Everyone was moved by that. For the first time in many years I feel optimistic now."

Trevor Hicks, President of the HFSG, believes last night’s events were ‘a good night for parliament’.

"I have to admit to bias but I think that's the first time I've seen parliamentary debate where there was agreement amongst the back benchers and I thought it was a positive experience,” said Mr Hicks.

"We've known all along that we've got the support. We've even got the support of David Cameron as well now, with his written answer to Andy Burnham. The only complaint that I have got - if I can make a small one - is that lots of people talk about Liverpool all the time.

"As you know, I live in north Yorkshire, we lived in north London at the time, and five of the seven women who died were in the London supporters' club. It was a national tragedy, it wasn't just Liverpool. Obviously it concentrated on Liverpool and so it's good that our parliament has seen sense and I honestly think it was a step forward, not only for us but for parliament as well."

Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre has thanked the MPs who spoke emotionally on the families' behalf during the four and a half hour Parliamentary session.

"This was a debate that needed to happen and those MPs who spoke so passionately and eloquently on behalf of the 96 and their families should be commended for the way they conducted themselves last night," he said.

"It is essential that the Hillsborough Independent Panel have full, unrestricted access to all the relevant documents so they can produce a final report which answers the questions that have been asked for so long and finally provides the truth for the families who have campaigned with such dignity for the past 22 years."